New Ford Mustang: S550 set for 2016 Malaysian debut

Muscle car fans will find this of interest – the new sixth-generation Ford Mustang is set to see an official local introduction in 2016. The news came on an unassuming banner hidden on Sime Darby Auto Connexion’s (SDAC) stand at Asia Klasika last weekend, where a selection of classic and modern Mustangs were on display as part of the pony car’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

We’re expecting it to arrive here sometime in Q1 then. It’s a bit of a wait, but right hand-drive evaluation – which began in August – will only see market deployment sometime mid next year at the earliest. We’re likely to follow after Australia, which is set to be the largest market for the new pony in this part of the world.

All new from the ground up, the S550 Mustang swaps out the retro styling its predecessors (notably, the S197) have used since 2005 for Ford’s latest Kinetic design language, giving it a sleeker, more modern look. The new car is longer and wider than before, makes use of independent multi-link rear suspension for the first time on regular Mustang variants, and will also be available in right-hand drive for the first time.

We can expect two versions to go on sale here, led by the baseline unit with the 310 hp and 433 Nm 2.3 litre EcoBoost direct-injected turbo four, which is based on the 2.0 litre unit seen on the Focus ST. This pretty much negates the need for the naturally-aspirated 3.7 litre Cyclone V6 that pushes out “just” 300 hp and 379 Nm (which we won’t be getting).

The other version for Malaysia will be the range-topping 435 hp/541 Nm 5.0 litre V8, the top choice for the unwavering, die-hard muscle car aficionado, rare as that may be here. It remains to be seen whether we’ll be getting the GT or GT Premium variant of the flagship – matters little, really, since the 2.3 litre will be the relevant offering for this market.

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

A v8 is a must for a Stang. But judging by my own experience owning a 4.4 V8 for past 5 years, the overall conditions is certainly favours the smaller capacity mill. Sad, but its the reality of motoring here in Malaysia.

Agreed. A muscle car must have a big V8, as it comes with a super macho soundtrack to match the looks. A 4 cylinder (and even V6 or inline sixes), no matter how powerful the turbos make it, just can’t match the aural pleasure of a V8.

But admittedly, cars have to move with the times. And the days of V8s look to be diminishing. Especially with tough emission laws and the ever increasing price of petrol.

The road tax is killing.
RM10,000 a year for 5Litre engine.
Double that for company registered.

JPJ need to rethink. Fuel is less susidized now, and “wealthy” owners of big engines will now pay market prices for fuel, so there is no justification for the expensive road tax. Furthermore the ever popular turbo engines drink like big engines too when charged up packing in more air-fuel mixture in every gulp.

Yes but a Mustang wihout a V8 just doesn’t feel right. But then again, that entire generation of pony cars were pretty much a write off.

The 4 pot in the SVO was quite commendable, I briefly had an old Merkur XR4Ti which uses the same engine albeit slighly lower tuned.

It wasn’t until the mid 90s that the V8 came back in force. Even then, the turbo engines (4G63T)in my DSM still had a good edge over the LT1 in my Camaro. Eventually had to give up on the Camaro due to it not being too practical (high insurance, too big, no parking spot and not very useful in winter) and stuck to the DSM. But nothing, nothing beats the feel and sound of a properly tuned up V8.

E39 540i is 4.4L
The gem is the E39 M5 with 5.0L engine which JPJ taxes more than RM10,000 per year on the road. Many owners don’t even use subsidized fuel, they treat their cars with unsubsidized RON97. Feeling the rip off.

Gosh. a NA 4.4 bro.. But if u goina change soon. Can get 550i thou it is not sold in Malaysia. Saw 1 550i M sport around bangsar area. Or X6 50i that I have tested. The crazy torque from the twin turbo is MASSIVEEEEE!!!!!

Definitely will priced below RM250K. Because its a Ford. But…… Only for 2.3 inline 4 i think. Which American will laugh. If y’all are getting 5.0 V8. Be prepared to fork out at least RM450K upnorth. For me, I am getting the 2.3 if 3.7 V6 is a no go.

The other day, looking throu a workshop I found a 1971 Mustang Mach 1 under restoration. The owner was also a mechanic, after talking throu he told me he had another Mustang, and a short walk around the corner reveals a 2008 Shelby Mustang GT500 also under restoration. I can imagine the happiness he has when he first got hold of it. Such beautiful beast.

If the 5.0l V8 could price at around RM300-400k, I’ am sure the Muscle club Malaysia(yes it exist) will see alot of new members. The 2.5l Ecoboost? Its a good performer, but my mind cant wrap around the concept of it being a Muscle car rather just a pretender.

Well. be more conservative then, from what I have observe. Malaysian price is 10 times more than US dollar to dollar. So if US selling for USD 50k. Here we might be getting arounf RM500K depending on trim level. Why? U gotta ask our love-to-songlap G.

Your estimation is too high, good for mustang popularity but not for the price! Lets check this, i buy focus HB RM117K, But i check at ford usa, the price about 16k only. & i check for 5.0 V8 only 33k at ford USA. so i estimate the v8 5.0 malaysia is around 300k-350k

While I agree with the v8 being what makes a muscle car a muscle car, I honestly doubt it will sell a lot. Simply because of our road tax structure that penalise any displacement above 2.0 (conveniently above whatever proton offers, no?)

Still I can see the ecoboost as being the more handling focused of the two. And I remember reading somewhere that they wanted to make the mustang into a world car, hence the ecoboost.

Why this guy keep saying ” driving auto is pondan?” Haha. I think this guy fall into this situation( malaysia) 1. Living rural area or pekan when no traffic jamm 2. He only drive car when GO TO WORK & BACK HOME. Means he only a few hours in car perday. Thts why he said like that… & what i know if Someone ” WORK FOR OTHERS rather WORK FOR HIMSELF” will not BUY a car over 250K car. Because RM matter… i let you know, if everyday you seat i car over 5 hours, & traffic jamm like MRR2 KL. do still prefer manual? Its crazy!!!

As if we need more high powered cars let loose on our atreets… which is already full of hill-billy drivers… from the hideous mod-out kancils up to the “get-out-of-my-way-im-coming-thru” lambos. sheeesh… these ppl should pay double for the fuel they burn!!!

Everyone is so happy.. Yay.. But let’s face the truth. Take a good look of yourself in the mirror son. U and I can’t afford to buy this car, anak Ahmad Maslan can. All thanks to 48% of people who had chosen to put his father and his gang in Putrajaya.

Drove a Dodge Challenger while I was in Ottawa and it was crap. Brilliant acceleration but in terms of build quality, it loses out to even Proton and Perodua.. no wonder those American car companies went bust!

But while I was in California, I drove the Cadillac ATS and what an amazing machine it was, inside and out. Brilliant handling, excellent build quality and the performance was awesome. Hopefully the Mustang matches or exceeds the Cadillac ATS in every way..

If have mid size family, this car still can afford, but i should be ur 3rd car.. because it only practic for 2 adult & 2 child at back… if the price fall 300k, means if tenure is 9 years, mthly is about 3.8K or 3.9K. Tht means people who earns 15,000/ mth can afford this. In malaysia, especially KL, JOHOR, PENANG, SELANGOR. I think very large number of people earned around 15,000 figure. For example, unit trust consultant, real estate agent, lawyer, SME business… at least self employed or good practice commision earner. Tht amount IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE FOR MANY MALAYSIAN TODAY! Confirm! But MUSTANG IS ONLY CHOSEN FROM Horsepower Man… bukan just ekot trendMan

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